G8 Summit July 2008

The 'Group Of Eight' specifically is the eight most important industrialised democracies in the world today and consist of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, United Kingdom and the USA. There wasn't a world wide poll to appoint these Countries as the top of their class, they seem to have appointed themselves somehow! Possibly as they are uncontested then they are the most important eight such Countries. There is a desire by a number of the G8's to expand the club to include the Outreach Countries (Countries not yet in the top 8 but getting too close for comfort) of Brazil, China, India, Mexico and South Africa. Thus this may become a membership of 13 - I hope none are superstitious.

 

Firstly at the entrance hall (1,000 m2) and outside the International Media Center "the Main", there was an exhibition and demonstration of Japan's latest environmental technologies, as well as presentations of efforts in addressing environmental challenges. The showcase was presented in co-operation with relevant Japanese government branches and the private sector, and included exhibitions of the cutting-edge technologies, such as fuel cells, heat pumps, solar energy, carbon fibers, reverse osmosis water treatment, etc. Secondly there was a demonstration space in the outdoor parking in front of the IMC for trial runs of various clean-energy vehicles (e.g. fuel cell and electric vehicles, etc.), as well as a model house displaying Japan's latest energy and environmental technologies.

The Secretariat enforced various environmentally friendly measures in the entire operation of the Summit, from procurement of office equipment and stationery to waste management. New generation vehicles (such as fuel cell buses) were used as shuttle buses between the Summit Meeting venue (the Windsor Hotel Toya), the International Media Center (Rusutsu Resort) and the delegations' hotels (Toyako-onsen). Hybrid and electric cars were used for transporting delegation members and Secretariat staff. Refueling of these vehicles was done at temporarily constructed hydrogen and CNG fuelling stations and through fast battery chargers. The use of biofuel was also being considered but I don't know if these vehicles were ready in time

The drive for this showcase is Japan's Cool Earth 50 Initiative and Japan's Prime Minister Fukuda outlined this as follows:

"We must create a new framework which moves beyond the Kyoto Protocol, in which the entire world will participate in emissions reduction. Three concerns have been raised about the endeavor to create a new framework, however, we can overcome all these concerns. Firstly wouldn't endeavors to reduce greenhouse gas emissions hinder economic growth? Secondly even if your own country takes steps to address the issue, it will not lead to the resolution of the issue on a global scale unless other countries also take action. Finally isn't it unfair to ask developing countries to take steps? Japan has overcome serious pollution and oil crises, and reduced oil consumption by 8 percent even though its GDP has doubled. The keys for resolving the issues were advanced technologies, social mechanisms and traditions harmonious with the environment, and the solid will of the Japanese people."

"Today, I would like to extend an invitation to a beautiful planet, Earth in the year 2050. I am calling my initiative "Cool Earth 50," a strategy consisting of the following three pillars.

Pillar 1: A long-term strategy to reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases globally.
Propose a long-term target of cutting global emissions by half from the current level by 2050 as a common goal for the entire world.
Present a long-term vision for developing innovative technologies and building a low carbon society.

Pillar 2: Three principles for establishing an international framework to address global warming from 2013 onwards. Firstly all major emitters must participate, moving beyond the Kyoto Protocol, leading to the global reduction of emissions. Secondly the framework must be flexible and diverse, taking into consideration the circumstances of each country. Finally the framework must achieve compatibility between environmental protection and economic growth by utilizing energy conservation and other technologies.
Thus we will create under international cooperation a new financial mechanism to extend support to developing countries with high aspirations. We will expand the endeavor for improving energy efficiency to the entire world. we will promote international efforts to expand the use of nuclear power, as well as providing assistance such as infrastructure development. We will study methods such as an integrated approach to fight pollution and global warming; emissions trading; and economic incentives.

Pillar 3: Launching a national campaign for achieving the Kyoto Protocol target. The Kyoto Protocol Target Achievement Plan will be reviewed to ensure Japan achieves its Kyoto Protocol objective to reduce emissions by 6 percent. The Government will promote its initiatives and urge municipalities and major business entities to accelerate their actions for reduction of emissions. We will launch a national campaign and call for efforts and creative ideas with the motto of reducing greenhouse gases by "1 person, 1day, 1kg." We will solicit and adopt new proposals from the people for expanding the national campaign.

"In conclusion my vision of 'a beautiful country' is also about raising a question: should we not transform our civilization in order for humanity to continue its path of development while striking harmony with the global environment. So, let us join hands and work together to make "Cool Earth" a reality."

It is not recorded if the Prime Minister Fukuda and the rest of the G8 Summit were in total accord.

So we know there was a G8 Summit because it was a newsworthy item in mid July. We know that it took place in Japan (did you know that before you read this item?). But will anything change as a result of the discussions that took place? In a few years time will we be saying that the world has changed for the better because of the G8 Summits. Do we have any confidence that something will happen as a result? If the eight most powerful nations on Earth can't influence anything, what can?

The Ringmaster